We have found 19,242 posts across 4 actor forums:
Playing a (girly) woman, as a man. by Jericoke • last post Feb 16th
At first let me say, I don't *really* know anything about acting. I play in a theatre group but it's not like I really intently studied the art. I never posted here so I hope I don't break any taboos or offend anyone. I'd say I'm a pretty decent actor in comparison to non-trained or very experienced people. I get into character really fast and develop (or ask for) quirks and pointers to flesh the character out in my mind and make an alright performance most of the time. But even though I am not supposed to play one, even in practice, I can't for the love of god, act as a woman without it being completely ridiculous. I don't want to go over the top, but my voice is pretty deep and if I jerk it up it sounds wrong. I don't know how to hold myself correctly and get the right attitude. It's not like I become the person, as I normally play a character, it's more like I "act" as the person (I hope you get what I mean). Feels just unnatural and wrong. So do you guys have any ideas and pointers for, or experience with playing the opposite gender ?
New Actor Youtube Channel is live by actorthrowaway6789 • last post Feb 16th
So here is the link to the YouTube channel I created for new actors and actresses https://youtu.be/rztxFZEY4l8 You may sub, like, dislike, comment to your hearts content. If at least one person can gain something from this channel then I’d consider it a success. Let me know what kind of videos you want me to make and I’ll do my best to create them. Stay frosty -NA
Remember: if you plateau in your career, it's not always the end. by FilmUnderground • last post Feb 16th
People plateau for various reasons. It could be technique, career choices, personality, it can even be just not your luck. Just remember: as an actor, there is a growing trend of other actors who want to make this freelance of an industry an ideal 9 to 5, and as an actor trying to make ends meat, it's simply not pushing for you that way. So embrace the chaos, and connect with why the hell you're doing this anyway. Use the plateau, instead of letting the monotony use you. Sometimes we plateau to look for the next mountain, so take the time. Life is short, but it can also be quite long.
What do you think of famous actors who haven't gotten training? by peacesignz • last post Feb 15th
I'm new to acting and constantly trying to balance my knowledge of techniques with just being natural/genuine. It's not easy as we all obvi know, but it's crazy that some actors either need lots of technique or are "naturals" (with experience, albeit). What do you make of actors such as Jennifer Lawrence, Jim Carrey, Brad Pitt, etc. that never went to acting school? It's just a matter of experience then?
A runner position for NO PAY 3 days worth it for an aspiring actor? (Newbie question alert) by chrislabel • last post Feb 15th
Hello I mentioned to a guy working on a film seems quite professional etc was offered a runner position for a film for 3 days quite long hours per day no pay is this worth it? Should I go for some sort of experience? Will I gain experience from this? What would you do? Any actors have been a runner before?
Fight scene by Haber87 • last post Feb 15th
My son (15) has his first paying job. Yay! He's going to have to shove a younger kid among other things. Because of the market we're in, I'm guessing the other kid has the same or less experience than my son. How physical do actors actually get in fight scenes? I realize they don't really punch or kick each other but shoving...? The only advice I've given him so far is to get to know the other actor before they start so they have a level of trust before the pushing starts. And that this isn't the time to go method. Any other advice?
FREE honest tips: Acting Performance: the art of sharpening your talent: 1-24 effective acting exercises to perform by Mikha_Wageh • last post Feb 15th
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079J4P59G/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=acting+performance Available for FREE on Wednesday, February 14, 2018, 12:00 AM PST and for 5 days on Amazon. This book Is a step by step training handbook that guides you as a performer to master both sides of your talent (inner and outer) from the very first step further to a point that allows you to act like professionals. It's very helpful and suitable for the start-up actors to discover the exact way to do this.
Majoring in something other than acting but pursuing an acting career by galaxikk • last post Feb 15th
I’m interested in more than one facet of the film industry, and could myself directing down the line. However I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t pursue an acting career at some point in my life, and in my early 20s seems to be the best point to do so because I have nothing to lose. However I also am transferring to attend college in the fall of this year but I’m not sure if I want to actually major in acting. This mostly has to do with acting majors not being entirely lucrative, while also immensely enjoying other fields almost as much If not as much as acting. I know I want to pursue an acting career, so a college in LA seems ideal. Back to the previously mentioned directing, would it be worthwhile to pursue a screenwriting or film production degree while trying to breakthrough in the acting world? Or should I focus all my college and career efforts into one funnel? A small part of me believes that college acting programs don’t actually offer much room for creativity and could potentially hinder your growth as an actor (and person), but I obviously haven’t had much experience yet. Any potential advice? This is messy and incoherent but hopefully someone can make sense of what I’m trying to say. Are acting programs at colleges like Loyola Marymount University, or even higher caliber, well-regarded Colleges in the acting sphere like USC or UCLA good fits for someone who definitely wants to act, but isn’t sure if it’s something they want to do for the rest of their life. I do think that any college in the LA area can help you get connected with the right people, which can obviously be far more helpful than whatever you college you attend or major(s) you select (I’m hoping to double major, but if that will even include acting I’m unsure of)
A cool discussion with a popular actress about diversity and filmmaking. by OcarinaOfTime32 • last post Feb 15th
How essential has a social media presence become? by Count_Juggular • last post Feb 15th
I'd love anyone's opinions on this one. Do you guys think that a social media presence is essential for an actor these days? I understand the benefits but wonder if it's not possible to make a go of it without it. I'm instinctively against the idea of social media (for myself - just my personality) but if things are starting to lean the way of it being essential then obviously I would take it as just another professional hoop to jump through and get hopping. But I just wanted thoughts as to how essential it really is. My context is an Australian one but I'm sure there's enough cross over for it to work as a general question. Love to hear thoughts.
Who has the legal authority to enter a film into a film festival? by Jack_Sparrow • last post Feb 14th
In August 2017, I participated in the 48 Hour Film Project ("48HFP") in Chicago, IL. There were 6 people on my team, and these 6 people were as follows: the director/team leader (the person who paid the registration fee) the director of photography ("DP") two people who wrote the script...
A YouTube Acting Tutorial: Here. by PartyOnBrother • last post Feb 14th
I see a lot of people asking in this sub for some youtube acting lessons. My friend and former coach, Braden Lynch, has uploaded a series of acting lessons on youtube here: [https://youtu.be/kaTErogMGIw](https://youtu.be/kaTErogMGIw) [He runs a studio in LA](https://www.bradenlynchstudio.com/). He coached a number of years at [Michael Woolson's studio](http://michaelwoolson.com/). They're both good dudes, and I don't think they really advertise since they don't need to. Most of their students are all working actors. Check them out. Hope this helps some people.
My new actor demo reel (in spanish) by Hongofrias • last post Feb 14th
Pro Actors Lab Toronto notes by BoomSamson • last post Feb 14th
Hey guys, so I'm out of the country for a while longer and won't be able to attend any of David Rotenberg's class at the Pro Actors Lab in Toronto Canada. I was hoping if anyone had any notes on his method to post them or send them via PM? I have the PDF of all the stipulated techniques that are included in his method such as 'drone notes' and primary vs 'secondary states of being' things like that. Once I'm back in the country I'll definitely be attending his class in-person and learning more about his technique that he uses with Rachel McAdams, Scott Speedman and tons of other famous actors!
Aging myself down? by peacesignz • last post Feb 14th
Hi all! I'm a new actress at 28, but I've been told I look 21, and in some instances I can actually play a teen. I've actually gotten auditions for loads of teen roles lately and I'm afraid the age question will come up. Do you think I should lie about my age and just say I'm 24 or something? I also look a bit young for older women roles (I'm also 5'3 so I'm a bit small). Do you lie about age?
I’m assistant stage managing a play for the first ever. More details. by Brandie212 • last post Feb 14th
I’m currently a college student and was hired on as an assistant stage manager for a comedic play at my community college. This is my first time experiencing being an assistant to a stage manager. So, tonight we had a rehearsal, and I was giving lines whenever the actors needed them; however, one actor immediately took control of my position and was giving out lines the rest of the rehearsal. I was taken aback as I had no idea what to do or say. I know from my job description that I am only supposed to sit back and do as the SM says, but in this instance I really wanted to say something. I don’t the actor that well, and it was great that he was off book, but I didn’t feel it was right for him to do that. What should I do?
A Practical Handbook and Objectives by statzory • last post Feb 14th
I recently got my hands on A Practical Handbook for the Actor by *a pretty long list of authors*, and I absolutely love the way it handles objectives. It divides creating an objective into 3 steps: what the character is literally doing, what the character is essentially doing, and an "as if" (it's as if my x was...). The book, in general, takes a very practical and actionable approach to acting that I like a lot. What acting books are you folks reading right now?
I have a bunch of clips of me recording a radio show with some fellow actors in college. Could they go into my demo reel? by Throwawaywts • last post Feb 14th
Here's one episode that's time stamped to a clip I'm thinking of including. https://youtu.be/Orr8JiQvXp4?t=14m1s I think that this really does a good job of showing who I am, while at the same time displaying some good chops. Of course, if this sort of clip is inappropriate for a reel, it would do more harm than good I guess. Thoughts?
Types of Sitcom Casts by Steve Trautmann • last post Feb 13th
With pilot season now underway an actor friend was asking about reading for comedies so I pointed him at this video, which is part of my free Sitcom Basics course.
Hope others find it useful.
-Steve
Difficult Directors by mcleb014 • last post Feb 13th
I'm currently in a show where the Director is hell bent on getting the lines 100% perfect. No joke. He would stop actors in rehearsal if we add something or jump ahead. He would then tell us to worry about the emotion and connections second. He is crazy about it. Obviously, it's important to get your lines down, it's gotten to the point where he gets visibly frustrated with it and yells at the actors. Unfortunately, there is no SM or higher ups I can go to about this (community theatre). How do you guys handle difficult directors? Any pro tips out there? Do you just stick it out? Any advice would be awesome.